Seconds bounce back at Bath to finish T20 campaign in style

Colin Bowman reports from Bath CC...

Sussex Seconds under the guidance of Michael Yardy, completed their 12 match T20 group campaign at Bath Cricket Club on Tuesday with two matches against Gloucestershire.

The Bath groundsmen produced a belter of the pitch and a lightning fast outfield. After a seven-wicket defeat in the first match of the day Yardy’s men produced a riveting display to successfully chase 193 in game two.

With sunny skies and humid conditions Gloucestershire got the afternoon match off to a flyer with Will Tavare and Michael Klinger both scoring well, befor Stuart Whittingham took a running catch off Abi Sakande to remove Tavare.

However, relief was short lived for the Sussex attack as Ian Cockbain smashed six sixes and Taylor added another five. At 180 for 4 off 16 overs there was a feeling around the ground that Gloucester would go on to make 220 plus.

One of the pleasing aspects of Sussex’s entire campaign has been the quality of death bowling, and this was on display once more. On this occasion it was Stuart Whittingham who made the difference with back-to-back wickets en route to excellent figures of four for 43. Sussex gave up a miserly and perhaps match winning eight runs over the last two overs.

In response, Tom Bruce (52 off 33) and Delray Rawlins (69 off 32) produced an enthralling 119 run second-wicket partnership. Rawlins looking in splendid form when scoring three straight sixes on the trot.  When Bruce timed a half volley over the club house roof for six there was a reverent hush around the ground. The hosts were suddenly up against it. 

Coming in at number five, skipper Will Beer showed all his experience by placing four boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking over. It was then left to Aneesh Kapil (41*) to calmly finish the job with two lovely back-to-back on drives to the boundary. 

That victory made up for a disappointing performance earlier in the day. Batting first, Rawlins top scored with 38 but the inningss was dominated by some untidy shots leading to 120 all out. That score was never going to be enough and the hosts duly chased it down for the loss of just three wickets. The good news was that Tymal Mills bowled 3.4 overs. It was great to see him in action and looking fit.

Coach Micheal Yardy was pleased with the way his side bounced back later in the day: “We learnt from our mistakes in the first match and adjusted to the conditions.”

As for the whole campaign, he reflected “We missed out on several opportunities and it would have been great to get back to the finals day.” 

Abi Sakande, Stuart Whittingham, Delray and Leo Cammish all came in for a special mention. You can watch Michael’s full interview below.

The seconds begin a three-day Championship match against Gloucestershire at Bath today. 

Scorecards from Monday's two T20 matches are available to download below.